Did RCB Just Say Goodbye to Liam Livingstone?
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Synopsis
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru bid farewell to Liam Livingstone after his release ahead of the IPL 2026 auctions. With a bidding war on the horizon, will the all-rounder find a new home? Discover the details of this pivotal moment for RCB and Livingstone's journey in the IPL.
Key Takeaways
- Liam Livingstone released by RCB ahead of IPL 2026 auctions.
- RCB's farewell note highlights his contributions.
- Ten teams expected to bid for players on December 16.
- RCB won its first title in 2025 after 18 years.
- Livingstone's performance was below expectations last season.
New Delhi, Nov 16 (NationPress) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru penned a heartfelt farewell note for Liam Livingstone following his release from their roster ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 auctions. A fierce bidding contest among ten teams is set to take place on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Livingstone's release came after RCB revealed their retentions on Saturday evening. As the retention deadline fell on November 15, the all-rounder was among eight players let go by RCB, following the franchise's decision to part ways with members from their championship-winning squad.
The Bengaluru franchise took to their official X account to express their gratitude for the English cricketer, stating, "Stepped up when it mattered the most and left his mark on our most glorious chapter. You lived it, Liam, and we loved it! Thank you for everything. You’ll always be an RCBian at heart."
Last season, RCB acquired Livingstone for Rs 8.75 crore during the mega auction, but he only managed to score 112 runs in 10 matches. Given the farewell note shared by the franchise, it seems unlikely that the all-rounder will be repurchased.
The most notable release for RCB was the England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who was let go due to his disappointing performance last year. Additionally, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi was also released from the squad.
RCB celebrated their first title victory in 18 years by lifting the coveted trophy in 2025. The Bengaluru franchise secured the second position in the points table after the league stage, achieving consecutive wins against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 and the final held on May 29 and June 3, thereby ending an 18-year wait for their inaugural IPL title.
In IPL 2025, Virat Kohli emerged as the top scorer for the Rajat Patidar-led team, while Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood recorded the highest number of dismissals.
Retained: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma
Released: Liam Livingstone, Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, Tim Seifert, Manoj Bhandage, Lungi Ngidi, Blessing Muzarabani, Mohit Rathee
Point of View
It's crucial to acknowledge the emotional aspect of sports. RCB's farewell to Liam Livingstone reflects the highs and lows of team dynamics in cricket. While this release may seem disappointing, it opens doors for new talent and strategies moving forward. The IPL remains a platform of evolving opportunities for players and franchises alike.
NationPress
16/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Liam Livingstone released by RCB?
Liam Livingstone was released due to his underwhelming performance last season, where he scored only 112 runs in 10 matches.
What are the IPL 2026 auction dates?
The IPL 2026 auction will take place on December 16 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Who were the other players released by RCB?
RCB released seven other players, including Swastik Chikara, Mayank Agarwal, and Lungi Ngidi.
What was RCB's performance in IPL 2025?
RCB won its first IPL title in 2025, finishing second in the points table and winning consecutive matches to secure the championship.
How much did RCB pay for Liam Livingstone?
RCB signed Liam Livingstone for Rs 8.75 crore during the mega auction.
